For years I accepted on faith that the best album ever made was Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. While that album remains a stunning example of the summer of love, the true trinity of the Beatles oeuvre are Rubber Soul, Revolver and Abbey Road--with the nod going to Abbey Road as the Beatles final studio album.

There is not a false note on this album. It kicks off with a forceful vocal from John Lennon on "Come Together," which is balanced by the tenderness of "Something," one of George Harrison's best songs (and only Beatles A-side single contribution). With "Because" Lennon wrote one of the loveliest melodies of his career. Even the silliness of McCartney's "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" and Ringo Starr's child-like "Octopus's Garden" exude charm and warmth from a band that was on the verge of fragmenting forever and taking some of the innocence of the sixties with them.

And then there's the side-2 suite (tracks 9-16)which still makes for powerful listening thirty years later. Sir Paul McCartney summed it all up in "The End": "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." And so the curtain rang down on the best rock 'n' roll band in our lifetime. ESSENTIAL

Here's a brief update of the 2009 remastered release of ABBEY ROAD:

THE SONGS: There are no new songs or demos included on this rerelease. It contains only the original tracks from the 1969 release.

THE REMASTERING: This CD has been remastered from the original stereo analogue master tapes. Since this is one of the few Beatles albums to be recorded in stereo (YELLOW SUBMARINE and LET IT BE are the only other two), there is no mono version. The muffled, sometimes muddy sound of the 1987 CD issue has been replaced with a crisp, clean sound that creates an entirely new listening experience.

THE BOOKLET: There is a 16-page booklet with brief "Historical Notes" as well as "Recording Notes," which are serviceable but not overly thorough. A full eleven of the pages are devoted to photos, including three from their final photo shoot on August 22, 1969, at John Lennon's home at Tittenhurst Park. Also, of historical note, are several proofs from the ABBEY ROAD cover shoot.

THE MINI-DOCUMENTARY: First of all, anyone expecting a VH1 Behind the Music-style documentary will be sadly disappointed. The video runs less than four minutes and contains very little actual video. There is some footage used from the "Something" promotional video. Otherwise it is all still photos. [Although there is some clever computerized gimmickry used to make it appear as if the Beatles are actually walking across the pedestrian crossing in front of Abbey Road Studio.] The documentary also includes voice-over commentary from McCartney, Harrison, Starr and producer George Martin. As for the music, there is a snippet of a demo of "Come Together." Otherwise, only samples of final take versions are heard. [Total running time - 3:46. Note: You will need QuickTime to view this on your computer.]

THE CD CASE: The cardboard CD case is not ideal for two reasons: First of all, it's a trifold case so it will not lay flat and it will be more prone to wear. Secondly, the CD is awkward to get out of the slipcase without touching the recorded side of the disc.

THE VERDICT: Ignore the naysayers. Buy this album. It's like hearing the album for the first time!

While Let It Be was their final release, Abbey Road was the result of the last time they recorded together in the studio. Despite the annonmosity and frayed tensions among the band, Abbey Road shows that they could produce music head and shoulders above everyone else. "Come Together" has a Chuck Berry riff and George Harrison's "Something" has became a standard with even Frank Sinatra recording a version. "Oh! Darling" has Paul McCartney flexing his vocal muscles and "Octopus' Garden" is a fun and goofy Ringo Starr composition. "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" is aptly titled as it has an urgency and yearning John Lennon vocal with heavy guitar playing. "Here Comes The Sun" is the best song George Harrison did with the Beatles with it's optimistic lyrics playing in stark contrast to the dark clouds surrounding the band at the time. The song suite that closes the album shows the band were still willing to push boundaries and it is appropriate it closes out with a song called "The End". Abbey Road marked the close of the recording career of the greatest group in music history. In the six years that they made music in the studio together, they produced songs that not only affected the music world, but the world as whole. From their hair, to their clothes to just about everything they did, they gripped the public's image and attitudes.

My emotions have certainly been all over the place for the past few days, and "Here Comes The Sun" certainly takes on a new poignance with the tragic passing of George Harrison on November 29, but Abbey Road has always had a wistful, playful feel and that fact is underscored by the fact that The Beatles were on their last legs as a band when this was recorded.

From start to finish, this LP is perfect, George's guitar playing had grown so expressive and fluid that he dominates the entire first side, Paul McCartney's songwriting anchors the album but his bass playing is a downright miracle (witness his jazzy, funky lines on "I Want You (She's So Heavy)".

Ringo actually solos on the album closing "The End" and does a damn fine job! His open high-hat, snare and footwork on this track is outstanding. John,as always lays his soul bare on the aforementioned "I Want You.." and proves that his cryptic lyrical side is fully intact on "Come Together", classic. Listening to "Abbey Road" it's hard to believe that these are the same cheeky young lads who wailed joufully out of tune on "Please Please Me" 7 years earlier, but they are and that perfectly demonstrates the greatest trait the Fab Four possessed that still sets them apart from their comtemporaries, Growth. This is what true artistry is all about. REST IN PEACE GEORGE, WE'LL MISS YOU.

Hi. This was my first Beatles album. I am normally a fan of Metallica, Guns and Roses, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, so I never really thought that I would like the Beatles. Well, I was suprised when I listened to this album. It really is great. Every song is genius. I know this may not sound like much coming from a hard rock/metal fan, but what I am trying to say is that I think anybody can apprecitate this album, it really is a work of art!

Abbey Road is the pinnacle of the Beatles achievement. Recorded in their last days together as a group, it shows them at their most mature stage. The songs are like a summary of their career together. There is Rock N' Roll (The End, I Want You, Oh! Darling, Come Together) ballads (Because, Something), guitar pieces (Sun King), orchestral pieces (Carry That Weight, Golden Slumbers) and even Sgt. Pepper style tape loops, strange new instruments and studio tricks (I Want You, Sun King, Maxwell's Silver Hammer)

All members of the group contribute songs to the album, and every one is an excellent example of their individual talents. Particularly outstanding is George's contributions, Something and Here Comes The Sun. Probably two of the greatest songs ever written. Even Ringo's composition skills impress, Octopus's Garden being one of the most catchy tunes on Abbey Road.

Performance wise, all four members excel. Ringo's drumming is innovative, prominent and adds real depth to the sound. George's lead guitar work is outstanding, as is John's rhythm guitar. Paul's bass often forms a tune in its own right. In addition, John, Paul and George play other intruments, including a Moog synthesiser.

Side One is excellent, but Side Two, which is a medley of songs, is truly outstanding. Paul and John contribute songs for the long piece and the transition from one song to the next is perfect.

Abbey Road is a remarkable farewell for the Beatles, and is a must have for anyone, no matter what their musical tastes.